Creators, Creativity, and Technology with Bob Iger

This podcast episode features the former CEO of Disney, Bob Iger, as he shares his insights on managing creatives and leading Disney's acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. Bob emphasizes the significance of selecting the right individuals and cultivating a culture of excellence to ensure the success of creative projects. Additionally, he discusses the challenges faced by competitors in replicating the success of Marvel and emphasizes the need for effective management of creatives, which entails providing constructive feedback and understanding their anxieties. The episode also explores the evolving landscape of technology companies becoming more like creative companies and underscores the importance of adapting to thrive in a creative-driven media industry. Takeaways • The importance of selecting the right people and fostering a culture of excellence in managing creatives to ensure the success of creative projects. • The challenges faced by competitors in replicating the success of companies like Marvel and the lack of commitment to excellence as a key factor. • The need for effective management of creatives, including providing constructive feedback in a supportive way and understanding their anxieties. • The importance of embracing the creative aspect of technology companies and adapting to the evolving media landscape. • The significance of investing in high-quality branded entertainment, preserving the integrity of scripts, and prioritizing exceptional projects to create culturally significant stories. • The impact of technology and the internet on the media industry, including the emergence of streaming platforms and the shift from linear television viewing. • The importance of content over technology in the streaming industry and the need to adapt organizational structures and metrics to support innovation. • The challenges and opportunities of virtual reality and immersive experiences in storytelling. • The dynamic between technology and creativity, where both influence and inspire each other in organizations like Pixar. • The attributes of great leadership during times of change and crisis, including courage, empathy, rapid decision-making, and adaptability.